Trinity Antonetty, a 24-year-old from Boston, pleaded guilty on Mar. 19 in federal court to one count of bank fraud for her role in a scheme to defraud a Massachusetts bank. U.S. District Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Aug. 18.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to address financial crimes involving fraudulent use of banking systems and shell companies.
According to court documents, between July and October 2024, Antonetty opened a business account and allowed Phalentz Vernot to deposit cashier’s checks obtained through fraudulent means into the account. She then used funds from one of these checks to purchase another cashier’s check payable to a shell company controlled by Vernot. When the bank froze another deposited check due to suspected fraud, Antonetty called the institution and falsely claimed she was operating a high-end car dealership and that the funds were connected with luxury car sales.
Authorities said that in July 2025, Vernot and five other men were charged as part of an investigation into a multi-million-dollar scheme targeting banks across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Vernot pled guilty on Dec. 17, 2025; two more individuals were charged earlier this month for their involvement.
Bank fraud carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison, five years supervised release, and fines up to $1 million or twice the gross gain or loss—whichever is greater—according to federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the plea along with Ted E. Docks of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Boston Division and P.J. O’Brien of FBI New Haven Division. The investigation received assistance from several local police departments across Massachusetts and Rhode Island as well as Connecticut State Police.
